David Clarkson's sixth goal of the season has not been enough to offer Bristol Rovers a half-time advantage at Spotland this afternoon.

Clarkson converted an 11th minute penalty after Wayne Brown was felled in the box – but Rovers have been unable to build on their early lead.

Rochdale - under pressure from supporters who have only seen them win twice on home soil this season - managed to level things up in the 27th minute when striker Terry Gornell guided a low shot into the bottom corner following a corner routine reminiscent of the one used by Teddy Sheringham and Darren Anderton in the days when the pair were together at Tottenham Hotspur.

Rovers goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, meanwhile, has already claimed the man-of-the-match award for Mark McGhee's side following an opening 45 minutes during which he pulled off a string of fine saves to deny a whole host of Rochdale players from adding to their solitary goal.

Bobby Grant was the first to be denied from distance by Etheridge before Phil Edwards, Andrew Tutte and Peter Cavanagh were all also unable to find a way past the resolute on-loan Fulham man.

Rovers' attacking threat has been sporadic – although Rochdale goalkeeper Josh Lillis had to be on his toes to deny both Joe Anyinsah and Tom Eaves when both players were presented with one-on-one opportunities.

McGhee, meanwhile, had welcomed Danny Woodards back into his starting-line up for the first time this season. Woodards, who has recently recovered from a broken leg suffered on the final day of last season, came into the side in a midfield role as one of two changes to the team that secured a 3-2 victory over Chesterfield last weekend.

Michael Smith replaced the suspended Matthew Lund at right-back, while Fabian Broghammer was the unlucky player to miss out as McGhee continued to show faith in Scotland international striker Derek Riordan on the left-hand side.